If you're looking for a straightforward phone plan without the long-term commitment (or sticker shock) of big carriers, Metro by T-Mobile is designed for exactly that. Metro is a prepaid wireless service that runs on T-Mobile's nationwide network, which makes it a popular pick for people who want reliable coverage, predictable monthly pricing, and the freedom to leave anytime — no contracts required. It's especially appealing if you've ever felt trapped by confusing bill breakdowns, surprise fees, or promo pricing that disappears after a few months.
Metro's biggest strengths are its simplicity and value. Metro by T-Mobile plans typically include unlimited talk and text, generous data options, and add-ons that matter to everyday users — like hotspot data on select tiers and discounts for multiple lines. It can also be a smart fit for families, students, and budget-minded shoppers who want a phone plan that's easy to understand and easy to manage, without sacrificing the benefits of a major carrier network.
In this guide, we'll break down Metro by T-Mobile's plans, what each tier includes, and how to choose the right option based on your data needs and budget—so you can decide whether Metro is the best prepaid plan for you.
Metro by T-Mobile phone plans and prices
Metro offers three tiers for shoppers, the cheapest of which is available only for online orders. Right off the bat, all options include a 5-year price guarantee, unlimited 5G data, unlimited talk and text, and access to T-Mobile Tuesdays.
*After a user hits this amount of data usage in a month, they may be prone to deprioritization during heavy congestion times.
Metro by T-Mobile keeps its prepaid lineup pretty easy to shop, with three tiers that mainly differ in perks. The baseline option is the web-exclusive $40 monthly plan, which includes unlimited talk/text and unlimited 5G data, plus extras like T-Mobile Tuesdays and Scam Shield, and pricing backed by its 5-year price guarantee. There's also a strong new-customer hook if you bring your own phone: a 6-month unlimited plan for $20/month ($120 upfront).
If that's too barebones, the next step up is the $50 monthly plan with Autopay, which adds 8GB of hotspot data and a 100GB Google One membership, plus phone upgrade eligibility while keeping the unlimited talk/text/data core. The first month costs $55, but drops the $5 if you opt for Autopay.
The top plan is $60/month with AutoPay. It's positioned as Metro's best value if you'll actually use the add-ons: it includes Amazon Prime, HD video, unlimited international texting to over 210 destinations, and the option to add watch or tablet lines for $5 a month when you bring your device.
One caveat worth noting: Metro flags priority thresholds where heavy users may see slower speeds during congestion — 35GB on the $40 plan, 50GB on the $50 plan, and 70GB on the $60 plan. So if you're mostly after a predictable bill and unlimited basics, the $40 plan (or that $20 monthly promo) is the easiest value play; if you hotspot often or want streaming/shipping perks, the $50 and $60 tiers are where the extras start to pay off.
Metro by T-Mobile promotions and deals
Metro also offers a handful of ways to save even more on its mobile plans. If you have a compatible phone, new customers can get their first six months of the brand's top unlimited plan for $20 a month ($120 up front). Or you can get rolling one-month deals from just $25 a month.
Alternatively, Metro is running additional offers for folks without a device or looking to upgrade to a newer one.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile FAQs
What are T-Mobile Tuesdays?
A perk included with all three of Metro's phone plans, T-Mobile Tuesdays unlocks sweet benefits in the myMetro app. That includes exclusive live event tickets, a free large Slurpee every month, cash back at restaurants, and more.
Does Metro include phone upgrades with cell plans?
Phone upgrades are included with all of Metro's plans, except for the web-exclusive $40 tier. This means that every year, existing customers can take advantage of promotions and deals typically limited to newcomers on select devices. It requires trading in your old device, and you'll need to be enrolled for at least 12 months before you can use this feature.
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Sarah Saril
Editor, Deals and Tickets
Sarah is a Deals and Tickets Editor for Business Insider’s Reviews team. She also supports our how-to-watch and streaming coverage. She never pays full price if she can help it and is an expert at finding and vetting the best discounts.ExperienceSarah joined the Business Insider Reviews team in 2020, starting as a deals reporter covering the best deals and steals daily. She later migrated to the tech team, where she researched, tested, and reviewed a variety of devices, from gaming mice to Kindle e-readers. Now, she’s returned to her origins, serving as the deals editor to curate only the best discounts and buying advice for readers. She began her career in service journalism in 2018 at Wirecutter as a deals writer, where she absorbed the history of the most frequently discounted products. This has informed her impeccably high standards for what makes a good deal. Ever since her Wirecutter days, Sarah has been an expert deals curator for tentpole sale days like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Following her weekly contributions to Business Insider’s Newsletter will illuminate new ways to get the best value on products you use every day. Why you can trust SarahSarah doesn’t recommend any deal she wouldn’t pay for herself. She is skeptical about the advertising language brands use to tout their sales and utilizes all the price-checking tools to ensure they deliver savings.Expertise
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EducationSarah graduated from the California State University of Fullerton with a degree in Marketing. She lives in Southern California and is the proud pet parent of two German Shepherds and one chihuahua. She loves traveling to try delicious food, is skilled in crocheting and sewing, and enjoys reading horror novels (as long as they don’t keep her awake).Say hi (or send a picture of your pet) to Sarah at ssaril@businessinsider.com, or reach her on Twitter at @sarahhahr. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Business Insider here.
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